Stepping Stones

Donovan has made a new life from himself, far away from his twin Declan and all of the feelings that he’s kept bottled up inside for many years. His friend and sometimes lover Marc has helped a lot, and things are going well until Declan calls, asking for help.

Unable to deny his twin, Donovan pushes aside his feelings and mounts a rescue, taking Declan away from an abusive situation. Between Donovan and Marc, they set Declan on the road to healing, exploring their relationship to the fullest. When Declan’s past comes back to haunt them, they’ll have to pull together to keep each other safe.

Can they make a new life together and survive the hardships they face?

Note: This books has been previously published elsewhere.

Excerpt

Note for Readers: You must be over eighteen to read this excerpt.

The ringing woke Donovan from a sound sleep. He fumbled for the phone on his bedside table. “Hello,” he mumbled.

“I need you. I was hoping you’d let me come stay with you for awhile.”

Taking a deep breath, Donovan closed his eyes at the lost sound in his brother’s voice. He’d moved across the country to get away from the temptation that voice presented. Now, Declan wanted to invade his safe haven, but Declan was his brother. The love of his life. How could he ever turn his twin away?

“Is this about Chet? Did he hit you again?” When Declan remained silent, Donovan continued, “Declan? Did he?”

“I just… I don’t want to talk about Chet. Can I come or not?”

Could he come? That was a hard question for Donovan to answer. If he said no, what kind of brother would that make him? If he said yes, please come and stay with me and love me forever, what kind of brother would that make him?

When Donovan heard what he thought was crying at the other end of the phone, his decision was made for him.

“Sure you can come. Are you okay to fly into Savannah?”

Donovan scrubbed a hand over his face, waiting for an answer and wondering whether or not he was doing the right thing.

“I’ll have one of my friends take me to the airport in the morning if that’s okay? Can you meet me if I call with the time?”

“Sure.” Donovan swallowed around the lump in his throat. “What did that fucker do to you this time?”

There was no answer for several very long seconds. Finally Declan spoke in an almost whisper, “I’ll tell you everything when I get there. Let’s just say, I don’t look the same as the last time you saw me.”

Donovan felt his blood pressure soar. He’d always been the one to protect his brother. At six-three and two hundred thirty pounds, Donovan O’Hurley had taken on anyone who’d try to pick on his much smaller twin. “Where’s Chet now?” Donovan ground out between clenched teeth.

“I don’t know.”

“Catch the earliest flight you can. Call me when you have the arrival time.” Donovan wiped the moisture from his eyes.